Bought my last PC 9 years ago. Core 2 Duo still running great and all but it's huge and a little bit noisy. Came here for the parts btw but now it's time for something new cause I don't game anymore and I want to fit the thing in my entertainment unit.
First I contemplated the idea of a NUC but I think that even the i5 unit wouldn't be nor snappy or silent enough. Now I know that web surfing, streaming movies from the internet/my NAS doesn't require anything beefy but like I said, I want it to be VERY quick loading things. The SSD will be the main part here but a fast CPU would be great as well.
Uses:
- Web surfing
- Streaming from Netflix/Youtube
- Streaming from my NAS over gigabit lan (~8-12gb mkv's with DTS). I won't be needing any HDD storage.
- Occasional photoshop, nothing too fancy. Just some ~20mpx files once in a while.
Needs:
- Small form factor, good looking is a must.
- Silent (duh!!)
- As efficient as possible. Less watts, less $$, less heat, less noise
- No HDD nor GFX (intel HD or iris will probably be more than enough for handling photoshop)
- 4K @ 60hz (futureproofing)
Parts to start with:
Case: Fractal design Node 304/Silverstone SG08B -or- Silverstone ML06B/ML04B
PSU: Silverstone ST45SF 450w ------ I'd love a Seasonic but at 150$ I say it ain't worth it.
Mobo: ASUS H87I-Plus
CPU: Intel i3-4160 ------ really tempted to wait for the 5th gen release with better HD/Iris graphics
Cooler: Scythe Big Shuriken 2 Rev.B -or- Noctua NH-U series (depending on case)
RAM: 8gb 2x4gb ddr3 Corsair or Kingston (or whatever is more reliable? - ram is ram no?)
SSD: Crucial MX100 128gb ------ only need the OS and photoshop. Everything else is downloaded directly on and by the NAS.
Chime in for any comment/recommendation/insult
HTPC: snappy, quiet, efficient
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HTPC: snappy, quiet, efficient
Last edited by mouettus on Fri Jan 30, 2015 6:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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- Posts: 42
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Re: HTPC: snappy, quiet, efficient
I think you might be pleasantly surprised by an i5 NUC... Take a look at this reviewer on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/review/RCKYMZK2JP ... hisHelpful
Just pick up an mSATA SSD (840 evo?), low voltage memory, and you're golden for quite a bit less $$ than the build you spec'd.
http://www.amazon.com/review/RCKYMZK2JP ... hisHelpful
Just pick up an mSATA SSD (840 evo?), low voltage memory, and you're golden for quite a bit less $$ than the build you spec'd.
Re: HTPC: snappy, quiet, efficient
You can drive 4k/60 via Displayport, but 4k TVs with Displayport are few and far between (Panasonic is one, I don't think Sony, LG or Samsung use it). The TVs shown at CES 2015 support HDMI 2.0 (which has 4k/60), but you only have HDMI 1.4 with Haswell (4k/24 I believe). I think you have to wait for Skylake for HDMI 2.0. Or, get a discrete gfx card.- 4K @ 60hz (futureproofing)
Re: HTPC: snappy, quiet, efficient
A nuk would be very efficient, with better than standard intel igpu, should look nice with a steacom case, and silent as its fully passive with no fans, this is what i suggest to consider,
Intel NUC BOXD54250WYKH1 Intel 4th Gen Intel Core i5-4250U with Intel HD Graphics 5000
Plextor M6M Series 128GB mSATA Internal Solid State Drive (PX-128M6M)
Crucial 8GB Kit (4GBx2) DDR3 1600 MT/s (PC3 - 12800) CL11 SODIMM 204-Pin 1.35V/1.5V Notebook Memory Modules CT2CP51264BF160B
Steacom NC1 WY Fanless Chassis
Intel NUC BOXD54250WYKH1 Intel 4th Gen Intel Core i5-4250U with Intel HD Graphics 5000
Plextor M6M Series 128GB mSATA Internal Solid State Drive (PX-128M6M)
Crucial 8GB Kit (4GBx2) DDR3 1600 MT/s (PC3 - 12800) CL11 SODIMM 204-Pin 1.35V/1.5V Notebook Memory Modules CT2CP51264BF160B
Steacom NC1 WY Fanless Chassis